Joshna wins second WISPA title on the trot

Winning is becoming a habit with Joshna Chinappa. The Indian No. 1 proved yet again that she’s in peak form with a second consecutive WISPA title at the NSC Super Satellite No. 4 squash tournament in Malaysia on Friday.
Joshna overcame Malaysian third seed Low Wee Wern 11-8, 11-7, 11-6 in the final at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, to repeat her performance of the previous week, when she had created history by becoming the first Indian to win a WISPA title.
“I’ve had two wonderful weeks here,’’ an elated Joshna told TOI. “It was all work but I’m happy that I was able to maintain my intensity during both the tournaments thanks to my improved fitness levels.’’
The top seeded Indian, given her current form, was favourite going into the final. But Wern, perhaps spurred on by the partisan local crowd, started stronger racing into a 6-1 lead in the opening game.
“I started slowly today. She (Wern) raced to a five point lead and was ahead of me for about 10 minutes of the match,’’ said Joshna. “But I caught up and managed to win the game.’’
The national champion perhaps just “managed’’ to win the first game, but in the next two the story was different. Joshna took the attack to her opponent and won with ease. “I was more consistent than Wern today and that made the difference,’’ said the 22-yearold Chennai girl.
“Consistency’’ made the difference for Joshna in the title clash on Friday, but what has brought about the change in her game over the last six months? “Definitely my stint at the Pontefract Academy with coach Malcolm Willstrop helped. My fitness has improved and so have my on court poise and skills,’’ said Joshna, also giving credit to coaches Cyrus Poncha and Major Maniam.
A rise in rankings is definite when the next WISPA list is released. But, as usual, she’s not concerned. “I am more concerned about performing on court on a given day,’’ she said.